In an interview with Britain's Radio Times magazine, the 81-year-old Australian, best known for playing Dame Edna Everage, revealed he had wanted to joke about British Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn during his appearance on BBC One's Michael McIntyre's Big Christmas Show.

However, he said he was told by "a nameless, faceless person at the BBC" that he would also have to say something about Prime Minister David Cameron.

"Imagine if the BBC tried to do Till Death Us Do Part again today, with Alf Garnett ranting against black people?" Humphries said.

"It couldn't be done. There is a new puritanism that we are experiencing, a nervousness."

The award-winning star also suggested the popularity of Downton Abbey in the US is "because there are no black people in it", but it is not clear whether Humphries was joking or not.

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"There's a fear of treading on people's toes and I don't like it," he said.

When asked if causing offence is important to him, he admitted: "Quite important."

He added: "It's very easy to become a safe figure and tempting, too, to want to be all things to all people."

His characters, including insufferable Australian diplomat Sir Les Patterson, have become renowned for pushing the satirical envelope at times.

In 2003, Humphries lost his Vanity Fair agony aunt column for a remark made in the February issue.

He blamed it on political correctness.

As Dame Edna, he responded to a question asking if learning Spanish was a good idea with: "Why Spanish, who would you talk to - your maid?"

Many took offence, including Mexican actress Salma Hayek who penned a critical letter in response.

The popular comedian will be on more genial ground presenting Barry Humphries: Barry's Forgotten Musical Masterpieces, a new three-part series of his musical memories for BBC Radio 2.